Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Selling
* Mithril Doubleplated Breastplate +1 (6200, sold for 3100)
* Heavy Shield +1 (1170, sold for 585)
* Total Gold: 4291
Buying
* Glamered Enchantment for Armor (2700)
* Total Gold: 1591
On list
* Comfort (5000)
---------------
Questions:
Could Amphitryon have taken care of this while on Olympus? And if so, would he have access to people who could cast enchantments at 1/2 price for having the feat at his temple? Because if so, he'd have 4291 gold, and both enchantments would cost 3850.
I ask, because it would really impact how he goes about being in town.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Love the wall of text, and will respond when I get the chance.
Also I’m thinking of rebuilding into a warrior priest. To use the sword and armor, and to have more divine power. Aik’s post gave me the idea, it was inspiring. It seems right…will figure it out soon.
My notes and thinking this through:
Deity: Ares
Weapon: Greatsword
Class: Arsenal Champion Warpriest
Feats:
Lvl 1: Weapon Focus Greatsword
Lvl 3: Power Attack, Weapon of the Chosen
Lvl 5: Improved Weapon of the Chosen
Lvl 6: Vital Strike
Lvl 7: Greater Weapon of the Chosen
Lvl 9: Advanced Weapon Training Defensive, Furious Focus
With impact Greatsword, that is 1 attack, roll twice pick highest with vital strike. Add in warpriest spells and this could be a lot of fun…will run some numbers and make a new profile for this
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Seeing the others being reverent, Amphitryon remained silent. He had always assumed that gods could die, for how else could titans even think to challenge them? And this was war, in a sense. And to the victor went the spoils.
”I suppose we should bury them. But…I believe that the God of War would approve of this.” Amphitryon began to remove his armor. ”Something of his went into me. It is only right that I wear his armor.” In the process of removing his greaves he added ”He bass fine pair of blades. Someone should wield them. I’m a spearman myself. While the sword is fit for a…well. Anyways. These weapons and armor were made to be used.”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Ah yes, and forgot to mention. If Amphitryon can take that mithril fullplate, then his Mithril Doubleplated Breastplate +1 is up for grabs. Also, if anyone wants his +1 heavy shield, it can be shared as well.
--------
Lvl 9:
BaB: +1
HP: +6 (class) + 4 (con) + 1 (FCB) = +11
Saves: +1 Ref
Feats: Improved Drow Nobility (You may use your dancing lights, faerie fire, feather fall, and levitate spell-like abilities twice per day. Your darkness spell-like ability instead becomes deeper darkness, which you may use twice per day.)
Class: +1 weapon training, and will usually now have a 10ft reach
This is after a re-build that came with the strange abilities absorbed. It just let me tighten up his stat choices and feat selection. The jist of it is that the shield focus abilities are traded out for heavy armor proficiency and defensive weapon training. Thematically, this means that Amphitryon will be summoning his spear and his shield from his shadows for now on. So it's a great thematic upgrade to go with the ability from the defeated foe.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon shuddered as the slivers of light flowed into him. The half-elf bent over and groaned as the light infused him. It shone from his eyes and continued to do so even as he closed them tight. More worrying, though, was how his body seemed to ripple and change. His muscles, already well toned from a lifetime of training and struggle, swelled in size. So too did his body as a whole, as it seemed like he grew a few inches in the space of those few seconds.
And a few seconds was all it took for it to be over. Getting to his feet he looked at his hands as if though they belonged to someone else. ”What did she do to me?” Looking at Aika he added ”To us? Are you alright?”
Amphitryon moved after the witch, but he was unsteady on his feet. His head ringing from the assault, he was fortunate enough to even be able to move in a straight line, let alone attack.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Fort:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12
Ref:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Dazed so can't take any actions
His delay had cost him dearly. Not only did Amphitryon fail to attack as effectively as he could have, but he was left staggered by the ear piercing scream that came his way. All he could do was shelter behind his shield and weather the storm of knives as best he could.
Thanks to his comrade’s prayers, Amphitryon came out of thin air. Before his feet even touched the ground his spear was lashing out. Using his shield to effectively beat back any counter attack, he did not let up on his assault.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Weighed down as he was by his armor, Amphitryon ran after them as fast as he could. He hadn't been of much help recently, with the others pulling his weight. He resolved to be more active in helping the group achieve their goals.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Dropped from another game. Some health problems in the family popped up making a hard time worse. I’m trying to catch up here now. Again, sorry for my absence
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”Thebes, eh? Known for their bread, honey cake, fruit, beer and dried fish if I’m not mistaken.” He muttered to himself. He wasn’t as excited about their cuisine as he was for Delphi, but he figured that there should be plenty to sample. ”Well, this should be interesting. Let us be off.” He said, loud and clear. He had a good feeling about this trip. Head over, talk to a demigod, sample the locals tastes, and head back. What could go wrong?
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”Delphi? Great idea! And even better yet, they have Hilopites there. Noodles with lamb? I can imagine it now. Spit-roasted lamb and goat, innards decked with oregano and glistening on an open fire. S…ah. Yes, the Oracle is the priority of course. But we can also try their cuisine. Two birds with one stone, no?”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”Aye, among the common people. To see a village reduced to ruins…and with only the weakest victimized thus far, no king or lord has raised a jeweled finger. Any information you could give us would be greatly appreciated, for who but you would have the wisdom we need and the heart to care?”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”I would leap into the maw of whatever swallowed you to cut you out if it came to it.” Amphitryon said. ”Though, with a place so pristine, perhaps we should think of happier thoughts. Such as some well earned relaxation on the beach after we finish this task of ours.”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
That is most kind. I hope, for everyone’s sake, that he proves innocent in this scheme.” He meant what he said, for it would be dangerous if the foe had so powerful an ally.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”Giving…?” Amphitryon said, and then shook his head. ”You always were soft hearted. If you think that he could be trusted for a favor, then I suppose that could be done.” He looked to his companions to see there thoughts on the matter.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon smirked as he watched Aik tear the boatman apart with her tongue. His father had always warned him that an intelligent woman was far more dangerous than the sharpest of swords, and she was proving him right. He really didn’t care how far she took it. For while he didn’t hold any real ill-will towards the man, he had no warm feelings either. He was curious to see how far she would take it.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon was alright with the outcome. He wasn’t being paid to kill these people, so why bloody his spear? Their words were against those who were more than capable of defending their own honor. Still, he waited to see how Varocles would act, knowing that the dwarf likely had a very different outlook.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon sighed as the man had the gall to insult the Gods. It was beyond folly. "Varocles." He whispered. "Poseidon would not want you to resort to violence before we know all of the information. These people don't seem bright enough to be behind any of this, right?"
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”I agree with my brother. I would just add, that for all of my joking, if Varocles could use our help, then it is incumbent on us to help as we can.” After a moment’s thought he added ”Perhaps Cyrene could report back for us. To make sure that what we have learned so far can be reported and if we are on the wrong track then she can always send word back.”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon looked at the dwarf, and then the boy, and then the dwarf…he kept his arms crossed, unwilling to stop either of them. The boy’s fear would make him talk and be trusted his allies to keep the dwarf from making a bloody end to the grudge. The story didn’t seem to hold up to him. How could the boy know that he had offended the gods if he did nothing wrong? He listened carefully to see where the falsehood was…
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon stood next to his brother, shield slung on his back and with his hands on his hips. He was unarmed, as far as the world could see. But if any danger was present he was ready to defend his brother.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”Yes, thievery is the worst. This is why I would never steal a man’s sword. Instead I’d stab him in the face and take it off his dead body. Far more ethical.” He almost kept a straight face as he said it, but couldn’t stop himself from smirking. ”A drink or two before we leave. We have earned the rest and the tavern keeper has earned our coin.”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”Its a good look though.” Amphitryon said. ”Magic heals all scars and all damage. But until then, nothing is worn better than a wound earned.” He smiled, and continued ”Ive got my arse kicked so, so many times. And what I’ve learned? Walk with your head up high and you’re a hero. So chin up. If anything you look like a Silverstar Company* veteran.”
* The mercenary company he and Kyronai come from, as a refresher as it’s been awhile since it was mentioned
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
"Should get it appraised first." Amphitryon offered. "Enchanted is a very broad term. It is hard to negotiate when we don't even know the value of what we hold."
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”A good profit was made. Though the price was almost too steep.” Amphitryon said, looking at Aik. ”Let’s get out of here before more come. And I can carry the blade. If there is any here who should be the target for their retribution, let it be me.”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Fearing that the man would turn around to finish the job, Amphitryon kept his shield up and stood between Aik and the threat until Varocles could get her back on her feet. As much as he wanted to rush over to her, he was professional enough to know that the best thing he could do was ensure that the threat to her was well and truly over.
Glad to have escaped what could have been a very painful blow, Amphitryon held to his training and stabbed away at the berserker. The darkness was proving to be quite useful. Once they had the situation under control and only the leader was left, he could use faerie fire on the man and then drop some darkness. All they had to do was survive until that point.
"Right." Amphitryon said. His shield and spear were a blur, as he moved from opponent to opponent. A parry here, a javelin blocked there, a riposte, he was fighting for his life and it showed. With his opponents raging, it was a contest against skill and training versus blind rage and raw power.
"We're fighting?" Amphtiryon said, somewhat bemused. "I thought that this was a grab and run type situation." He hoped that Varocles had some divine magic to incapacitate the barbarian he was facing. While he really wanted to stand side by side with the dwarf, he could see two more barbarians coming in quickly. So he moved to cut them off, so that only one could come in. It was better to have two 1v1 fights than a single 2v3.
Amphitryon moved into the room. In a loud and clear voice he yelled out "Cowards! Chasing a woman? Pathetic! Come and face me, or are you afraid of a fair fight?"
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon nodded. If it came to this, then he was ready to storm in one arrows started to fly. He trusted that Cyrene knew what she was doing in deciding that violence was their best option.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon silently summoned his spear. He didn’t risk moving, lest he cause noise inadvertently. But if stealth was no longer an issue then he would be ready. Either to call in darkness to cover an escape or to stand his ground.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”Ah, if only we had some poison to spike their drinks. Alas, I think that we should do as you say. Let’s wait until they are asleep or they move. There’s no need to risk ourselves unnecessary here.”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon smirked at the comment. "People without attitudes probably wouldn't have survived so far. It takes a special kind of crazy for this kind of life."
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Knowing full well the warrior culture of Sparta, Amphitryon stood near Aikaterine. With his helm, breastplate, greaves, vambraces and shield, he looked every inch the Greek warrior. With confidence he added "By my honor, no harm will come to her. Indeed, by duty we are bound to see this through where it may. Your help would be most appreciated."
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
With a smile, Amphitryon said to his companions ”If we do get the blade, imagine how much the captain will pay for it. Just something to keep in mind.”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
His mood instantly improved, Amphitryon bravely stood guard against nature’s wrath. ”And I with you.” He muttered. Then, much louder he said ”We’re in this together. We’ve been reliably paid, we have rich clients, our foes lie dead and we don’t. Let’s cheer up and get this done.”
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon shrugged. It was truly noble of his brother to volunteer his gold like this. He wanted to volunteer to add some gold into the pot, but he had spent most of his, and volunteering would just show how little he had left.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
”A stolen gladius? And here I was thinking it was a stolen heart. So, how many men are we going to kill? And is there any magic at their disposal we should know about? Where can we find them, you know, the usual questions.” Simple mercenary work, nothing to get worked up about. But the more intel they had the better.
Half-Elf Gloomblade (9) Wounds (57) HP (94) AC (30/13/27) Saves (11/7/10, +2 Vs Fear, +2 vs enchantment) CMD (28) Dancing lights (2/2) Greater Darkness (2/2) Faerie fire (2/2) Levitate (2/2) Feather Fall (2/2) Bless (1/1) Rage (1/1) and Angelic Aspect (1/1)
Amphitryon nodded, a displeased look on his face. He was open to helping a friend in need, but did not appreciate being extorted. Especially when someone was already being paid.